Klitschko has a fight lined up with Manuel Charr in September and will then turn his focus to the political arena with him being the opposition leader in Ukraine.

Haye is aware of those issues but is prepared to bide his time - claiming the longer Klitschko waits, the better his own chances will be.

"They say you are only as good as your last fight and my last fight was a spectacular one against a very tough, very durable Dereck Chisora - someone who pushed Vitali Klitschko to the wire," Haye said.

"The idea of this fight was to provide a measuring stick to show how I'd perform against the same opponent. The point was proven that I am up there and I would be very confident of beating Vitali.

"My only feeling now is that this display was too good. If I'd struggled on points, the fight would be made. But after a spectacular win I'm not sure if the Klitschkos are in the business of staging difficult fights."

If he has to wait, though, Haye will. He said: "I am 31 and Vitali is 40. The longer the wait to fight me, the worse it is going to get for Vitali. I've had a year out and look what it did for me. I'll wait another year to fight Vitali if I have to.

"I'll chill out for six months and then spend six months getting ready for him if he wants it."